North Carolina HOSA SLC

“NC!” “HOSA!” “NC!” “HOSA!” “NC” “HOSA!” That chant of excitement, enthusiasm, and energy from North Carolina HOSA at past National Leadership Conferences are a constant reminder of just how passionate and lively North Carolina HOSA has been and continues to be. Shayna Mooney and Chase Edwards were witnesses to this passion at full force while in attendance at the 35^th annual North Carolina HOSA State Leadership Conference from March 23^rd-25^th.  HOSA members all across the state, from the coastal region to the foot hills to the mountains, all converged in Greensboro at the Koury Convention Center for the 2011 NC HOSA SLC. One could feel the excitement and nervousness within the air, as HOSA members had the opportunity to compete against each other for a chance for to represent NC HOSA at Anaheim this summer for the 34^th annual HOSA National Leadership Conference.

2010-2011 NC HOSA Executive Council

Shayna and Chase assisted in screening the 2011-2012 NC HOSA State Officer Candidates Wednesday afternoon.  Shayna sat on the interview committee, while Chase had the opportunity to listen to the candidates deliver prepared speeches for the topic “Why I want to be an NC HOSA State Officer.”  In addition, each state officer candidate took a HOSA knowledge test, in order to be slated as an officer candidate. 

The next morning, Chase headed back to Chapel Hill, in order to attend his chemistry lab, while Shayna helped check in advisers and schools at the registration booth.  Members also enjoyed a wide selection of Educational Symposiums: Flight Medicine, Organ and Tissue Donation, Robotic Surgery, So You Want to be a Doctor, Biomedical Engineering and Global Health, and much more! In the afternoon, Shayna assisted in running the HOSA store.  She enjoyed interacting with members and advisers from across the state.

Peyton Holland

Later that evening, Shayna and Chase attended the opening session, where more than 2,300 HOSA members sat in attendance. The NC HOSA Executive Council did a phenomenal job opening the session with the theme of Mission: HOSA, as this was a sort of way for HOSA members to fully experience what HOSA is all about throughout the conference.  NC HOSA chapters were honored to receive several awards for holding blood drives from The American Red Cross, REX Blood Services, Blood Donor Center of Cape Fear Valley, and Community Blood Center of the Carolinas.  A representative from JDRF also awarded chapters who participated in the National Service Project with plaques.  Peyton Holland, motivational speaker from EPIC Leadership and NC Skills U.S.A. state advisor, graced NC HOSA with an inspirational speech about the desire and will power to accomplish your dreams.  His main message was, “If you don’t dream, you don’t have anything to work for.”  The opening session ended with a phenomenal a cappella performance by the University of North Carolina at Greensboro Spartones to pump up NC HOSA for the rest of the conference.

Business Session

Friday marked the final day of competitive events for NC HOSA members; their last chance to strive for an opportunity to attend the NLC in Anaheim. Shayna and Chase had the opportunity to judge the HOSA Chapter Newsletter event. They truly enjoyed reading about the amazing things NC HOSA chapters accomplished throughout the year.  Members also enjoyed attending the Health Careers Expo. The Business Session was held in the afternoon to elect the 2011-2012 NC HOSA Executive Council and to select a theme to send to National HOSA.  The state office candidates gave speeches and answered “fish bowl” questions; voting immediately followed.

In the evening, NC HOSA members buzzed with excitement and nervousness at the Grand Awards Session. The NC HOSA State Officers showed their year in review videos and the 2011-2012 NC HOSA Executive Council was installed.  Shayna and Chase had the privilege of swearing them into office. To conclude the session, Shayna and Chase brought greetings on behalf of the National Executive Council and invited NC HOSA to the National Leadership Conference in Anaheim this June.

Grand Awards Session

Shayna and Chase would like to give a special thank you to the NC HOSA advisor, Mrs. Edie Stewart, the state officers, Mrs. Faye Cress, and the conference staff for such a wonderful experience. See you in Anaheim! 

Nevada HOSA SLC

Greetings from the beautiful Palace Station in Las Vegas Nevada! Sean Sheffer was able to attend his home state and city to give greetings and support on behalf of the national executive council.

On Wednesday, March 23rd, the state officers prepared to amass Nevada HOSA's 4th annual State Leadership Conference.

Miranda Terrell, Anthony Garcia, Jeannica Sacasas, Sera Choi, and  Tazia Statucki
2nd Vice President, President, Post-Secondary Vice President, 1st Vice President, and Secretary

Palace Station in Las Vegas, NV

Early on Thursday, March 24th, the conference kicked off to a strong start with workshop presentations by Nevada's very own state officers. Miranda Terell, led her "Destination: All About Leadership" workshop and later in the day, Tazia and Sera presented their "Look The Look, Walk The Walk, and Talk The Talk" seminar. HOSA members yells of excitement and fun laughs could be heard throughout the halls as the officers jolted the conference into a swinging start.

During the day the members prepared for their competitive event testing, all while visiting educational symposiums, "Tobacco, Find Out the Truth!," presented by Dr. Sher Todd. Sean was able to give a brief workshop, "Believe It To See It," where students learned how important believing in something really is.

In a flurry of Courtesy Corp, Nominating Committee, and Competitive Event meetings, Nevada HOSA joined together to take their state picture, all with the beauty of the city in the background.

During Opening Session, the chapters cheered as Tazia called on the chapters, and the presentation began!

Marcus Engel with
 seeing eye dog, Garrett

Marcus Engel, an acclaimed speaker and author, gave the keynote. As a college freshman, Marcus Engel was blinded and nearly killed by a drunk driver. Through his years of healing and sacrifice, he gave his audience a speech to remember and more so, a look through the world in his eyes.

The officers closed the ceremony and session with a complete reflection of what it is to be a health care professional, and what it means to be someone who is selfless, passioned, and ready to make a difference. Are you ready "EXPERIENCE HOSA"?



The next day proceeded with competitive events and educational symposiums at the College of Southern Nevada Campus. HOSA members received first hand experience in Phlebotomy Skills, EMT skills, pharmacology, suturing and anatomy through the always lovable clay!

Shelly Kinnunen presenting
"What is Anatomy in Clay?"

The HOSA Showcase opened up, where students working on their Health Posters surprised the crowds with their medical knowledge, and their artful creations!

Two of the many career heath display posters, as presented in the showcase.

After the day of competition concluded, students enjoyed the chapter night out in Vegas!

On Saturday, the conference concluded with the Awards Ceremony, Year in review slideshow, and the installation of new state officers. The state officers gave their final addresses to the crowd, and began the inception of the future of Nevada HOSA. 

Schools rejoiced in reflection of the days before and ahead, and Nevada HOSA continues to grow strong in their journey to Anaheim!

Congratulations to all who helped make the conference a glorious success!

Colorado HOSA SLC

What state contains “The Mile High” city, has the Rocky Mountains within view on the western horizon, and recently acquired their second, former University North Carolina at Chapel Hill point guard, Raymond Felton, after the Carmelo Anthony trade? If you answered Colorado, you would be correct, and in the town of Loveland the Colorado HOSA SLC made its presence felt March 3^rd-5^th as more than 450 members throughout the state came to test their skills and expertise within HOSA’s competitive events. 

Colorado HOSA State Officer Candidates Warm Up for Elections!

Colorado State HOSA Advisor, Jen Staley, showed how much hard work can pay off, as only her second year in office while increasing membership within the state from around 400 students to more than 900 in just a two year period! Chase Edwards had the opportunity to attend this glorious event, and while Colorado HOSA does not boast as many members as say Texas or Florida, they soon showed him that they had every bit of their passion and enthusiasm for the health care profession! State Officers Jessica Linker, Christian Jimenez, Paulina Meraz, Jesse Leazenby, Ashley Avila and Leo Chacon wanted to make sure the conference was a huge success by showing up a day before the conference started to prepare and make sure that the Colorado HOSA members had their best SLC to date.

The 2010-2011 Colorado HOSA Executive Council

HOSA Chapters, complete with Advisors and Members alike, started to show early Thursday morning in order to register for the first ever Colorado HOSA SLC hosted within Loveland Embassy Suites, and the site couldn’t have been a better location, as the excitement showed on the HOSA members faces as they entered the hotel. The conference officially began at 12:00 p.m. that Thursday with the Colorado HOSA State Officers starting out with the opening session. Chase Edwards gave a greeting to the members from the HOSA National Executive Council. The Opening ceremony was followed up by motivational speaker Ryan Moran, who gave key notes of his philosophy P.O.S.S.E., which talks about being positive, open, sincere, having spirit and not being exclusive. HOSA members then disembarked to prepare for their competitive events, and start the two day fundraiser project for JDRF, PENNY WARS!

Penny Wars Participants Look at Their Scores Before the Final Count

In the afternoon, one could find members in the lobby and hall ways studying for upcoming events and within the conference room’s members giving their best shot performance in hopes of attaining a one way invitation to Anaheim, California for the 2011 HOSA National Leadership Conference. The day concluded with curfew at 11:30 p.m., as clearly defined and demonstrated by the Colorado HOSA State Officers within the opening ceremony, so that members could attain rest for the upcoming day’s competitive events. The second day was filled with excitement in the air, as members knew their preparation had come to its climax, the chance to prove that they are the best candidate to represent Colorado HOSA in the upcoming NLC within each of their respective competitive events. That day in the conference a member also had the opportunity to attend different symposiums. Chase gave a presentation on the personal leadership insight essentials, what it takes to be a better leader inside and outside of HOSA. Friday also marked the day in which Colorado HOSA State Officer Candidates were allowed to sit down with Colorado HOSA voting delegates and allow the delegates to question the candidates on their vision with HOSA if elected to a state officer position. 

Colorado HOSA Members Enjoying the Awards Ceremony

The night unfolded with a five star dinner for HOSA members in the conference center and guest speaker Jay Leeuwenburg to help remind the members why JDRF was chosen as HOSA’s National Service Project. Jay, a nine year NFL player, was diagnosed with Type I diabetes at the age of 12. However, that didn’t stop him, as he made his way through Colorado collegiate football, an All-American his senior year, and then being drafted within the NFL in 1992. The show went on with the recognition ceremony quickly following the speech. Members and advisors were together acknowledged through their hard work put forth into HOSA from the past year. At the end of the session, state officer candidates were able to share their speech with the members, a chance for the members to get a look at some of the new faces who will be leading through the 2011-2012 year. After the recognition ceremony, members had the opportunity to celebrate the conference with a dance, but only if they paid the entrance fee of $1, of which all proceeds went to JDRF. Members also made a last minute run to the Penny Wars piggy banks, as the deadline was set for 10:00 p.m. that night. The state officers and Chase had the privilege of counting the pennies after the dance, until three o’clock in the morning, of which a total of $996.28 were raised for JDRF.

Jessica Linker Gives the Closing Speech

The final day brought about the decision of who should be appointed as the new Colorado HOSA executive council as well as the moment everyone had been waiting for, the awards ceremony! Of the nine state officer candidates, eight were chosen to lead Colorado HOSA forward within the coming year. There was happiness abound within the ballroom, smiles, shouts of joy, and cheers from fellow members as one by one competitive events medals were handed out to the top three deserving competitors within each category. Members sensed the pride of being awarded the opportunity to take a trip to Anaheim, California this summer for the 34^th annual HOSA NLC. The conference adjourned with Jessica Linker giving final remarks.

 Chase feels humbled to have been granted the opportunity to attend the Colorado HOSA SLC, as this marked the first time he had set foot within the state of Colorado. Chase says it is a memory he will cherish forever, with the way in which the HOSA members of Colorado displayed their excitement for HOSA but also carrying themselves with profound professionalism throughout their stay within Embassy Suites.  Chase would like to thank Ms. Jen Staley, the Colorado HOSA Executive Council, the conference staff and all of the HOSA members in attendance for the remarkable experience and lasting lifetime memory.

Louisiana HOSA SLC

Strong HOSA spirit was alive at the Louisiana HOSA State Leadership Conference in Pineville, Louisiana. From March 12-14, Nzuekoh Nchinda had the pleasure of being a part of the HOSA excitement . She was greeted with wholehearted hospitality by the Louisiana HOSA state advisor Ms. Shirlene Bender and the Louisiana HOSA state officers, who introduced her to Louisiana notables like Mardi Gras and gumbo.

As Nzuekoh interacted with the HOSA members from different parts of the state, she was struck by the incredible amount of enthusiasm and dedication members have for HOSA. Although Louisiana HOSA is a smaller state association of 200+ members, it is quickly growing. HOSA has truly resonated with the students because of the great need for quality healthcare in the state. Many communities in Louisiana are underserved. HOSA's partnership with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation struck home, for diabetes is a prevalent health concern in Louisiana. Thus, the students have been very driven to educate their communities.

While helping to set up the conference, Nzuekoh met student volunteers from a new local chapter at Hicks High School. She was impressed by how much initiative their chapter had taken. In a school of less than 100 students, they had 23 active members in their chapter. They exemplified true HOSA spirit in their enthusiasm to participate in different competitive events, run for state office, and be helping hands throughout the conference. It was a wonderful experience to see the growth of HOSA first-hand.

The Opening Ceremony kickstarted the conference with encouraging words from Ms. Shirlene and the state officers. Nzuekoh also gave greetings from the HOSA National Executive Council and held a short question/answer session to help the members learn more about HOSA.

The conference continued to run at high energy. HOSA members were able to attend different workshops, including leadership, teambuilding, and HOSA trivia workshops run by Nzuekoh. The members were also able to be part of a "Don't Text and Drive" campaign and signed a banner pledging to end this dangerous driving habit.

During the lunch information session, state officer elections were held. Nzuekoh was impressed by the number of candidates who ran and how passionately each candidate spoke about their commitment and growth in HOSA. It was great to see how students have been inspired not only to be active members but to be leaders as well at both the local and state levels.

Nzuekoh also enjoyed seeing the members prepare and compete in various competitive events. Nzuekoh had the honor of serving as a judge of the Researched Persuasive Speaking and Prepared Speaking events. Again, Nzuekoh was impressed by the members. Many of the competitors spoke eloquently with fresh perspectives. HOSA members truly are honing the skills needed to be the health professionals and leaders of tomorrow. An impressive number of members qualified to compete at the National Leadership Conference, and hopefully, there will be many to strongly represent Louisiana HOSA.

The Louisiana HOSA State Conference was a success. Members left feeling inspired and proud of their chapters and state. Nzuekoh felt equally inspired and proud of HOSA. It was an amazing experience to see strength and potential for success that HOSA gives its members.

Virginia HOSA SLC

The VA HOSA SLC was held at the Williamsburg Marriott Hotel. 

If Shayna Mooney had to choose one word to describe the Virginia HOSA State Leadership Conference, she would choose the word exciting. The 900 members, advisers, and conference staff were full of enthusiasm, creating a lively and exhilarating atmosphere for all attendees.  The Virginia HOSA SLC was held at the Marriott Hotel in Williamsburg, Virginia, from March 11-13.

HOSA members waiting for Opening Session to begin. 

The Greenville County High School Pep Band performed a variety of musical selections to energize the crowd prior to the Opening Session Friday evening. 

The Greenville County High School Pep Band

The VA HOSA state officers kicked off the 31^st annual Virginia HOSA SLC by saying the Pledge of Allegiance and HOSA Creed.  Virginia HOSA President, Kelly Peters, introduced the 2011-2012 state officer candidates and also recognized all local chapter officers by having them stand as she recited their duties. State officers Megan Lamb, Brittany Douglas, Sabbu Bajimaya, Elena Payan, and Michaela Linkous described the symbols and colors of the HOSA emblem in order to remind members of the hope they can impart to all people through their knowledge, skills, and service. 

2010-2011 Virginia HOSA Executive Council
Left to Right: Sabbu Bajimaya, Kelly Peters, Michaela Linkous, Megan Lamb, Brittany Douglas, Elena Payan 

Shayna brought greetings on behalf of the National Executive Council and invited Virginia HOSA members to the 2011 National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California. Recognition and awards were given to newly affiliated chapters as well as the top ten chapters for membership. The hi-light of the evening was key-note speaker, Jerry Ackerman, who inspired all members to lead, learn, and love with a positive attitude through his hilarious stories and Lawnmower Diddy dance.  The Opening Session concluded with a performance by VA HOSA Executive Council and each chapter being recognized for their HOSA spirit.

The key-note speaker was Jerry Ackerman.

The second day of the conference, March 12, marked the start of competitive events.  Many HOSA members were up bright and early to practice and perfect their speeches, skills, and presentations. Many workshops were also conducted throughout the day: “Secrets of Success”, “Respiratory Therapy as a Career”, “Public Speaking Tips”, “Working with the Dementia Patient”, “Working on an Air Ambulance” and “Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation”.  

Career Health Display

The Business Session was held in the afternoon where voting delegates voted for the members of 2011-2012 VA HOSA Executive Council, a theme to send to National HOSA, and amendments to the VA HOSA Bylaws.

Business Session

Voting Delegates

Recognition Event Awards and scholarships were presented to HOSA members and chapters, later that evening at the Dinner Banquet and Appreciation Gala.  Event managers, judges, conference staff, and the VA HOSA Executive Council were recognized for their hard work during the conference. The election results for the 2011-2012 VA HOSA Executive Council were also announced. 

Dinner Banquet

VA HOSA State Officers and Shayna Mooney during the Appreciation Gala.

Following the Gala was Fun Nite, a time when members could relax from the stress of competitive events and have fun.  Fun Nite events included a dance, karaoke, Minute to Win It games, BINGO, Corn Hole, and board games.

BINGO

Corn Hole

Minute to Win It

Karaoke

Sunday, March 13, began with the State Officer Installation Ceremony. Next, competitive events winners were announced and awarded medallions and trophies. The conference adjourned with final remarks from President Kelly Peters and State Advisor Mrs. Ann Craddock.

2011-2012 VA HOSA Executive Council

Shayna truly enjoyed the Virginia HOSA SLC and greatly appreciates Mrs. Ann Craddock, the VA HOSA Executive Council, and the conference staff for making the conference such a wonderful and amazing experience.